Survey shows strong public support for the government, but migration trends and citizenship renunciations reflect lingering dissatisfaction.
Growing public dissatisfaction with Indonesia’s economic and governance outlook continues to fuel discussions about working or living abroad, even as President Prabowo Subianto’s administration maintains strong public approval ratings.
The trend is reflected in the continued popularity of the #KaburAjaDulu (“Just Leave First”) movement on social media and a rise in the number of Indonesians renouncing their citizenship, underscoring concerns that support for the government has yet to translate into confidence about personal economic prospects.
According to Poltracking Indonesia’s National Survey on Government Performance Evaluation and Strategic Issues, released on July 4, public trust in the Prabowo-Gibran administration reached 74.2%, while 72.2% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the government’s overall performance.
Economy remains government’s weakest-performing sector
Despite the strong overall ratings, the survey shows that economic issues remain the administration’s weakest point.
Health received the highest public approval at 75.4%, followed by defense and security (74.5%), education (72.5%), socio-cultural affairs (70.3%), and politics and national stability (69.1%).
By comparison, satisfaction with law enforcement and anti-corruption efforts stood at 64.5%, while the economy ranked lowest at 59.2%, highlighting persistent concerns over living costs, employment opportunities and household finances.
The survey found that public satisfaction was largely driven by government assistance programs, the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program and perceptions of Prabowo’s leadership.
Migration debate reflects public frustration
The contrast between high approval ratings and the persistence of #KaburAjaDulu suggests a more nuanced public mood.
Initially emerging as criticism of government policies, the movement has evolved into a broader expression of frustration over employment opportunities, economic uncertainty and quality of life, encouraging Indonesians to seek work or settle overseas.
Deputy Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Christina Aryani has said Indonesians are free to pursue better opportunities abroad provided they follow legal migration procedures.
Meanwhile, House of Representatives Commission IX Deputy Chairman Charles Honoris said the phenomenon should serve as a reminder for policymakers to address the concerns of young Indonesians rather than dismiss the movement as a lack of nationalism.
The debate has also gained greater significance after data from the Ministry of Law showed that nearly 8,000 Indonesians had renounced their citizenship as of June 2026, making citizenship relinquishment the ministry’s most frequently processed legal request.
Prabowo responds to pessimism
Responding to growing pessimism, President Prabowo on Sunday said Indonesians who believe the country’s future is bleak are free to seek opportunities elsewhere.
“Those who think Indonesia’s future is bleak, please feel free to find another country. Go ahead, no one is stopping you,” Prabowo said during the National Cooperatives Day celebration on July 12.
He nevertheless urged those who remain to work together to strengthen Indonesia’s economy through cooperation among state-owned enterprises, private companies and cooperatives.
